The Ruskin Library offers an adult writing workshop Tuesday, Jan. 6, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Connect with fellow writers to inspire, encourage and exchange ideas about the writing process. All levels of writers are welcome.
Wordier Than Thou hosts its next storytelling and prose open mic Wednesday, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m., at Florida Avenue Brewing Co. Come share your finest prose, or if you’re just in the mood for listening, catch some tales from our area’s talented wordsmiths. This month’s featured reader is Ersula Odom-McLemore. She’ll be followed by 10-minute long open mic slots. Suggested $5 donation at the door.
The University of Tampa’s 2015 Lectores Series kicks off with readings by Edan Lepucki, author of the novella If You’re Not Yet Like Me, and Roxane Gay, writer, professor, editor, blogger and commentator, who released Bad Feminist: Essays and An Untamed State last year. Their readings will take place Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., in the Vaughn Center. The series continues Friday, Jan. 9, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with readings by Stefan Kiesbye and Mikhail Iossel at Reeves Theater; and Saturday, Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m., with readings by Rebecca Hazelton and Brock Clarke.
The Poets at USF are back! Join them for “Rhythm & Rhyme” at the university's Marshall Student Center Thursday, Jan. 8. In addition to its regular, weekly open mic, the evening will include acts by featured performers DJ Ace Vedo, Melvin Nelson, and Poetic JC, a poetry performance duo. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. This event is free and open to all USF students as well as non-students.
St. Pete's Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Tea Bar introduces its new bi-weekly storytelling, spoken word and poetry open mic Thursday, Jan. 8, 9 p.m. This week’s feature is spoken word artist Samira Obeid.
The Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County Inc. welcomes Dick Burdette, award-winning author of The Last Lonely Eagle: the Untold and Inside Story of the 1975 Dick Cloud Murder Case Friday, Jan. 9, 12 p.m., at the University Club in downtown Tampa as part of its Four Seasons Author Series. The Last Lonely Eagle tells the story of the life and death of Sergeant Dick Cloud, a fearless investigator who devoted his life – and lost it – in the fight against drug criminals and organized crime. Tickets are $30 per luncheon or $100 for the series of four literary luncheons. Reservations required; call (813) 273-3616 or email [email protected].
Write your non-fiction book in just four weeks and become an expert in your industry. Richter Publishing presents a workshop on the secret to writing a book in a month on Friday, Jan. 9, 2 to 4 p.m. at On Point Executive Center. The workshop will cover keeping track of writing goals, how to write an outline, how to promote and market your book, how to come up with a compelling title and more. Cost is $35 per person and pre-registration is required.
Meet local writers at Palm Harbor Library’s Showcase of Local Authors Saturday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Get out your staplers and Sharpies — the third annual St. Pete Zine Fest takes place at the Venture Compound Saturday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m. The event will feature more than 20 local writers and artists a space to selling, sharing or trading their self-published materials. Bluebird Books Bus will also be on site, and there will be a panel focused on community building, as well as the official unveiling of the St. Pete Zine Fest Zine Library. This festival, sponsored by St. Pete Community Acupuncture, is free and welcomes people of all ages. And gear up for Zine Fest earlier in the week on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 8 to 10 p.m., at the Fuzz Factory, where St. Pete Free Skool will host a zine-making party.
Explore your creative potential at “Tapping Into Your Creative Source: Yoga, Mindfulness, Writing,” a workshop hosted by Going OM Yoga Sunday, Jan. 11, 2 to 4 p.m., at Tampa’s Green Locus Yoga. Mindful exercises, including gentle yoga and journaling, will help spark your inspiration. No experience required.
